Taking care of a Rabbit is not an easy job and not difficult at the same time. They require continuous monitoring and should not be left alone without food and water. If you are planning for a vacation, then you must want to know How long can Rabbits go without food?
As Rabbits are grazers, they must eat continuously to keep their digestive system moving and working properly. A healthy Rabbit can survive from 36 to 48 hours maximum without eating any food. Going longer than this can cause their digestive system to dry up. They will likely start developing GI stasis, their organs can fail, and most risky your Rabbit can die.
In this article, you will learn how long can Rabbits go without food and what the consequences will be if you leave them alone for a longer time.
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How Long Can Rabbits Go Without Food
Rabbits donât eat their food because they are hungry. They eat their food because they want to eat it. As rabbits are grazing animals, they are a voracious eater and must be fed almost all the time. They require a lot of food and access to plenty of fresh water throughout the day. They require a balanced diet consisting of hay, pellets, greens, and water.
A Rabbit can go without food for 3 to 4 days, and it varies depending on the size, age, and health of your Rabbit. On the other hand, a Bunny or aged Rabbit who is underweight can manage up to 12 hours. You must not leave them without food for more than 12 hours.
If you feel your Rabbit is not eating or refusing to eat, you must call your veterinarian immediately. Starving can cause a life-threatening condition such as GI Stasis, or it might be having any other underlying problem which can even lead to the death of your Rabbit.
How Long Can Rabbits Go Without Water
A Rabbit survives up to 24 hours at the maximum amount of time without drinking water. But this will not be the same in hot weather or if your Rabbit is unhealthy. Without the significance of water, your Rabbit can dehydrate quickly, and it can also die.
A Rabbit may not drink water all the time, but they should have access to it whenever they need it. In the colder or wintertime, consuming less amount of water is quite normal. During this time, they can survive without water for more than 24 hours. But still, they need water to prevent dehydration. Â
How Often Does A Rabbit Need To Eat?
Rabbits have a high metabolism rate, and their digestive system is very efficient at breaking down food into nutrients. If they donât get enough food, their digestive system slows down, and they become lethargic.
Rabbits should have access to food and water all the time, rather than a set of meat times. They also require a lot of water and fresh plants to keep their stomach and intestines hydrated.
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Do Rabbits Die If They Donât Eat?Â
Yes, Rabbits can die if they donât eat for a longer period. Food flows freely on the Rabbitâs digestive tract when they are eating continuously. When they stop eating for more than 12 hours, they will start developing a potentially fatal disease called Gastrointestinal (GI) Stasis.
GI Stasis slows down the Rabbitâs digestive system, which can result in dehydration and difficulty in passing food. This can also develop bacteria and gas production.
How To Provide Food For Your Rabbit When You Are Away
Managing the pet while going on vacation or any other trip is always worrisome. No one can replace your place in taking care of your rabbits but still, you need to find a way to provide them with food and water until you return.
Keep Enough Food and Water
For this, Make sure there is plenty of hay, pellets, and water that is sufficient to keep them occupied while you are going away. Get rabbit feeders which can carry a large amount of food and place a large can of water that can last for a day or longer.
Invest in Automatic Food Feeder
An automatic food feeding device can keep your Rabbit fed all day. If you are a frequent travel person, then you must invest in a good food feeding device. This way, you do not need to be concerned about the rabbit going without food or water.
Monitoring Your Rabbits Remotely
A pet monitoring device is a wireless sensor that allows you to monitor your Rabbits remotely from anywhere. The Camera device connects wirelessly to your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth and sends data to the cloud automatically.
This will help you track your Rabbitâs activities and make sure they have not run out of food or water. With a pet monitoring device, you can stay connected to your pet rabbits at all times. Youâll receive alerts whenever something happens, such as when your rabbit gets out of his yard or when he goes missing for a certain period.
As for Help
Asking for help is not a bad idea, there will always be a person who also loves your Rabbit the way you do. It is always better to have a second person like your friends or family member who can look after your rabbit until you return from your vacation or from an unexpected trip.
Consider Leaving on Boarding House
At last, consider boarding your Rabbit if you donât have anyone to look after. You will find many trustworthy boarding houses nearby that can take good care of your Rabbit until you are back. Before boarding, ensure the boarding house has a proper facility and enough experience in caring for and feeding rabbits.
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Conclusion
Surviving for a longer period without food and water heavily depends on the Rabbitâs age, health, weight, and diet. Generally, a healthy Rabbit can last 3 to 4 days without food, whereas a bunny or senior rabbit can last up to 12 hours.
For a Rabbitâs well-being, healthy eating and consistent hydration are essential. If you are planning for a vacation, make sure you have someone who can take care of your rabbit and, if possible, invest in an automatic food feeder and pet monitoring device.